Tag: electric chain hoist

In the entertainment industry, rigging can be both a challenging and dangerous task. To help provide entertainment professionals with hands-on rigging experience, Robert Lannon of RPL Building Services, LLC, kicked off his first Rigging Climbing Camp in June of this year. Sponsored by Atlanta Rigging Systems and held at Southeastern Rope Access Training Facilities in Atlanta, Georgia, the three-day course was designed to teach basic climbing, rigging and aerial platform operation to entertainment professionals to prepare them for real-world rigging scenarios.

“Most of the riggers I know had no training whatsoever the first time they stepped out on a beam, pulled a point or drove a lift,” said Dave Gittens of Atlanta Rigging Systems. “The first place a rigger performs any of those tasks should not be in an arena roof structure. That was the motivation for this class.”

Twelve entertainment professionals attended the camp, including myself and CMCO’s Entertainment Business Development Specialist, Jennifer O’Leary. We kicked off the training by first discussing personal protective equipment, including harnesses, lanyards and helmets, as well as fall protection, structure climbing and beam walking. We also learned rope access techniques, including ascending, changeovers, descending and edge negotiations.

Other critical skills covered during the hands-on training included:

Utilizing motor control systems

Moving trusses

Rope management

Rescue pick offs from a structure

Aerial platform operation, including scissor and boom lifts

Using a 30 foot truss supplied by Atlanta Rigging, we pulled together everything we learned to conduct beam walks, climb a wire rope ladder, use horizontal life lines and rappel from the top of the structure. As we got more comfortable navigating the structure, product and tasks, you could see everyone push themselves and gain confidence in their skills.

Columbus McKinnon rigging training is a perfect complement to Rigging Climbing Camp, educating attendees on rigging fundamentals, safety practices, regulations and inspection techniques. When paired with the hands-on experience provided by the Rigging Climbing Camp, entertainment professionals will have a well-rounded understanding of proper rigging practices as well as real-life rigging situations and challenges encountered at entertainment venues.

To see our full selection of material handling products for the entertainment industry, visit www.cm-et.com.

Columbus McKinnon recently launched the CM Man Guard electric chain hoist with CSA approval for the Canadian market. To explain the importance of CSA approval and discuss the features of this great hoist, we interviewed our Canadian National Sales Manager, Chris Siabanis.

What is CSA approval?

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is an independent third-party testing and certification organization. CSA tests products and their components, as well as audits manufacturing processes to ensure products meet or exceed the necessary codes, specifications and accredited standards for sale into the Canadian marketplace.Products must be CSA approved to be sold in Canada.

Since its launch in September 2011, the CM Man Guard has been well-received in the U.S. So, we felt that it would be an excellent addition to our Canadian product portfolio as well. That’s why we pursued CSA approval.

What are the key features of the CM Man Guard?

Known for reliable performance and best-in-class safety features, the CM Man Guard is a competitively priced hoist option and is available in capacities ranging from 1/4 to 3 tons with standard lifts up to 20 feet. It also has a lifetime guarantee.
Some key features of this hoist that are most important to customers include:

H4 duty motors that allow the hoist to be used in high-duty-cycle environments. We are able to achieve H4 duty rating using higher quality components and do not require the aid of a fan to cool the motor, unlike competitors’ hoists.

Efficient low-cost operation that saves you money. The Man Guard’s specially engineered motor and precision-machined gearing reduce the electrical demand required to operate the hoist. Single-phase and three-phase amp draws are, on average, 50% less than the equivalent competitors’ models. Less electrical demand per hoist can add up to big operating cost savings.

Made in the USA and stocked in Canada ensuring availability.Manufactured in our Damascus, Virginia facility, these hoists and repair parts are readily available for delivery from our Canadian warehouses located in Cobourg, Ontario and Edmonton, Alberta.

What is ISG and what are the benefits to the customer?

Aside from all its great features, the CM Man Guard is part of our In-Stock Guarantee (ISG). Our In-Stock Guarantee (ISG) is our commitment to shipping our most popular chain, hoists and rigging products in 3 days or less. The CM Man Guard is our first electric chain hoist available through ISG, with more than 40 models in-stock and ready to ship, including 575V 2-speed units. This is a game changer for the industry.

Are there new features or changes coming soon for the CM Man Guard?

We are currently developing a lug mount for the CM Man Guard that can be used with the Universal Trolley. The UT Trolley allows you to use one trolley with a variety of CM air and electric chain hoists. It provides flexibility with inventory while reducing the need to stock trolleys for each model of CM chain and air chain hoist you use or carry, including the Man Guard.

Suspending loads above people is common practice in the entertainment world and requires great precautions. In Europe, one voluntary Code of Practice guides the product specifications and installation requirements surrounding these applications: SQP2 Chain hoists (2010).

U.S. interest in this European Code of Practice is growing as this code is being adopted in U.S. entertainment installations. Our distributor, Atlanta Rigging has recently completed installations at Bankers’s Life Fieldhouse, in Indianapolis, Indiana (shown above) and at the Barclays Center in New York which include D8+ hoists and meet this voluntary European code.

European Code of Practice and the D8+ Code

The SQP2 defines the D8+ as “The D8 Plus Electric chain hoist is constructed and dimensioned in such a way that the moving of overhead loads is possible provided that no persons are standing under the load and that it is not necessary to install safety backups when the hoist is switched off.”

Once the load has been lifted, is in place and the hoist has been switched off, then it is acceptable to suspend the load above people without the secondary support. While the load is moving all personnel should be out from underneath the load.

How the D8+ Code can be attained

The D8+ “code” can be achieved by having a minimum of 10:1 design factor, double brakes and a clutch. The clutch can be used as protection against overloading when the hoists are used for statically determinate loads. A statically determinate load is defined in the SQP2 as a load on individual electric chain hoists (point load), distributed loads on two electric chain hoists, hinged, linked single span girders on more than two electric chain hoists, and distributed loads on three electric chain hoists.

Banker’s Life Fieldhouse Application – Indianapolis, Indiana

The Banker’s Life Fieldhouse installation shown utilizes twelve (12) Columbus McKinnon D8+ Model RR Chain Hoists with 123’ of lift. There are two (2) hoists used per speaker line array and a total of six (6) arrays.

The control system, provided by Motion Laboratories, consists of the following: 16‐Channel Controller with Soft Limit System, Touchscreen Handheld Remote and Remote E‐stops.

If you follow NASCAR then there’s no doubt you are familiar with Stewart-Haas Racing – the title-winning NASCAR Spring Cup Series team made up of Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman and Danica Patrick.

But did you know that Stewart-Haas Racing relies on CM ShopStar electric chain hoists to build and repair their cars? To find out more about how they’re using the ShopStar, Ken Tilson, CMCO Product Manager – Powered Chain Hoists, and I took a trip to their headquarters in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

Stewart-Haas Racing utilizes an overhead crane system featuring six CM ShopStar electric chain hoists that are paired over three car-assembly areas to position NASCAR design templates onto cars under construction in their primary garage. An additional single CM ShopStar with 500 lb. capacity is used in their Research and Development Area.

Why did they choose the CM ShopStar?In the past, the Stewart-Haas crew used a common electric wire rope winch mounted to a mobile A-frame gantry to lift and position their car design templates. That system had slow lifting speeds and an unreliable brake that made this process both tedious and dangerous for the crew. The team converted to the CM ShopStar for its speed, dependability and dual braking system to make the process more efficient and safe.

The favorite part of my job is working with so many great people at Columbus McKinnon who work in the different facilities and departments of our organization. One thing I’ve discovered is that all of of my fellow associates take great pride in the products we produce, and their enthusiasm overflows into everything that we do. I was witness to another demonstration of this excitement during a recent discussion about our JLC chain hoist series and its upcoming 40th year anniversary.

So I made a call to Joe Ombrello, General Manager of our Wadesboro, North Carolina Operations, to learn more about this special electric chain hoist series. Here is what he had to say in response to my questions:

“When was the first hoist in the JLC Series built?”

As you know, the current JLC has 3 predecessors. Its lineage dates back to 1974 with the first JF Model. Next the ELC series with a clutch and an oil filled gear case started around 1979. Our JL version (JL1.0) went into production in 2002. It was then upgraded to our current JLC model in 2010. In a nutshell, we have been making this product series for almost 40 years!

“Did we purchase this technology from someone or did we develop it on our own?”

The technology was developed internally by our Coffing Hoist engineering department in Wadesboro, North Carolina.
“Please share with me the most interesting customer application story ever told about the JLC.”

Over 40 Coffing JLC hoists were used in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China to suspend trusses in the swimming arena.

“Is there anything else that you would like to share from your background and experience that you think others might find interesting?”

The Coffing JF hoists were used in the 1960’s by the United States military for nuclear warhead maintenance and handling. Our JF hoist was also the original concert hoist used by the Grateful Dead in the early 70’s. Today, our JLC hoist can be found in sporting and entertainment arenas all over the world and is used by touring concerts for Garth Brooks, Reba McIntyre and Toby Keith.

Best of all, the JLC product series – along with the CM Lodestar – are made in America. That is something everyone here in Wadesboro, North Carolina is very proud of. We share that feeling of pride with our fellow Associates at our Damascus, Virginia Operations who manufacture the CM Valustar, Man Guard and ShopStar electric chain hoists.

Sight and Sound Theatre, the largest faith-based theatre in America, partnered with Mountain Productions to complete a full and permanent hoist/motor installation at their Lancaster County, PA theatre. Using all American Made chain hoists provided by Columbus McKinnon, Mountain Productions prepared and coordinated the package for ease of installation, while Motion Labs provided the electrics, controllers and programming. Sight and Sound continues its tradition of using the most state-of-the-art equipment to maintain the highest quality productions for which the theatre is famous.

D8+ Chain Hoists are the hoist of choice in theatre applications.

Sight and Sound selected our new model Lodestar D8 chain hoists, (1 ton -Model L – and 1/2 ton – Model F), featuring a double brake on each hoist. The Lodestar D8 is legendary in the industry, and we have recently added several features to the hoist, further ensuring steady and reliable operation.

Along with the Lodestar D8 units, Prostar chain hoists were also installed. The Prostar is a lighter, quieter and more portable hoist that is designed for unique rigging applications in tight quarters. Combined, the Lodestar D8 and Prostar offer versatility, allowing for a variety of rigging configurations at the theatre.

The motor control and load monitoring systems were supplied by Motion Laboratories, a cutting edge company known for their high quality power distribution and motor control systems. The state-of-the-art PLC touchscreen system handles motor control and load monitoring at the theatre. The ability to program specific presets into the system makes the PLC an efficient motor control/load monitoring solution. Sight and Sound’s professional riggers will be able to lower and raise loads with ease, and rely on the system’s precision to always keep equipment on point. Load Cells will be used for accurate load monitoring, supporting the safety of the system.

New rigging grid reduces maintenance time and show preparation.

One of the key benefits of this system is the amount of time the theatre will save on maintenance and preparation for shows. Glen Broderson from Sight and Sound led his team in making the decision to install the new rigging grid. He expressed how much easier it will be to pinpoint individual electrics for maintenance thanks to the soft limit system. This also makes prep time between productions quicker and more convenient. “With the new system, going from a 40 ft trim to a 30 ft trim is just a push of a few buttons,” Glen shared. The whole process has been valuable to Glen and his team. Everyone is excited to see how the theatre will use the installation in future productions.

Sight and Sound Theatre

Always striving to push the envelope with new technology and productions, the Sight and Sound Theatre remains an innovator in the theatrical industry. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, consider checking out their latest production of Noah.

First off, expect the unexpected. We’ll be unveiling our most interactive and tech-savvy booth ever. Designed to showcase our brands and innovative products and services, our guests will have the opportunity to participate in a number of hands-on demonstrations and displays.

Guests will get a sneak peek at a ton of soon-to-be-launched products, including:

CM Universal Trolley (UT). Our most flexible hoist trolley ever.
The UT can be used with virtually every CMCO electric and air chain
hoist up to 3-ton capacity, and can fit on various beam widths.

CM Bandit. Our lightest and most compact ratchet lever hoist ever!
This rugged hoist is ideal for applications even in the tightest workspaces. Guests can test drive the Bandit, lift a load and check out its great free-chaining feature.

CM Lodestar 2 Ton Single Reeved electric chain hoist features better headroom and less chain weight; but you can see it and try it for yourself.

CTP adjustable trolley clamp is a heavy duty, yet economical, trolley designed for easy installation and superior strength. No tools are required
to move and adjust the CTP to a variety of different sized beams.

Ergo Pendant Station for CMCO electric chain hoists. See its ergonomic design — developed in partnership with The Ohio State University — feel how comfortably it fits in your hand while you work the legendary CMCO rocker style push button switch.

It doesn’t end there. A number of popular recently-launched products will also be at ProMat, including:

Yale Global King Wire Rope Hoist. Discover what’s new with this world-class hoist, from Quick Ship units and the 3-year standard warranty to explosion-proof options.

CM Hurricane 360˚hand chain hoist will be featured in the “Drifting Challenge.” Test your material handling skills and see first-hand how easy it is to drift a load with the Hurricane 360˚— seeing and doing is believing.

CM Lodestar Cutawaywill allow guests to see the inter-workings of an operational Lodestar electric chain hoist. It’s a rare opportunity to see under the cover of a superior design in action.

Our new hands-onRigging Display lets you get up close to discover the craftsmanship and engineering forged into all our rigging products. While you’re there, check out some application photos on the digital display.

If you’re at ProMat you won’t be able to miss our new soaring Video Tower featuring the latest product visuals and on-demand product and training information. Lastly, register for a chance to win a seat in a CMCO Training Class of your choice in 2013. Stop by and ask for all the details.

At Columbus McKinnon, we engineer and build innovative material handling products for people and businesses that care about quality, safety, and having the right tools for their applications. Our presence and product offering on display at ProMat 2013 is proof of that. Discover us at Booth #1838.

For over 30 years, CM-ET has been conducting this 1-day motor class to help familiarize entertainment technicians and riggers on safe and proper general maintenance and repair of the CM-ET Lodestar. Starting today, this popular class is available online!

Get trained today!Students can expect the same level of information they would get if they attended one of our hands-on classes at our Training Centers, but without the inconvenience and expense of traveling. Get trained online and learn at your pace and on your own schedule.

Who should take the class?This is a great course for beginners or anyone needing a refresher. For those individuals looking to take the more advanced hands-on CM-ET Motor Certification Technician course, this class is the perfect place to start.

Course Overview
This online course walks students through the disassembly of the classic model “L” CM-ET Lodestar. Topics include:

Function and inspection of key components

Adjusting limit switches

Inspecting and adjusting the brake

Understanding CMCO specifications
and inspection requirements

Types of proper documentation

Understanding basic electricity and wiring diagrams

Performing a Load Test

General maintenance, inspection and troubleshooting

Testing & CompletionThroughout the training, students will be tested on the material covered. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Certificate of Training.

At Columbus McKinnon, our success in the global marketplace is dependent not only on the knowledge and expertise to design and manufacture hoists, cranes, and rigging equipment; but also the business processes to facilitate consistent quality across our broad portfolio of products.

Our commitment to introducing new and innovative products, along with our desire to appeal to and reach overseas markets, prompted our Wadesboro, North Carolina Hoist Operations to seek ISO 9000 Certification — the international quality standard.

This is a tremendous investment in our facility and people, as well as a rededication to our local community. “We have been wanting to do this for years; the incoming products were just a catalyst,” says Joe Ombrello, General Manager of our Wadesboro Operations. “Having the ISO Certification enables us to go to new markets including Asia and Europe.”

Manufactured in Wadesboro, these hoists and overhead cranes are marketed to industries such as manufacturing and assembly, entertainment, utilities, power generation and mining:

The ISO 9000 certification process started in late 2010 with the guidance of the Industrial Extension Service at North Carolina State University (IES). The process began with the basics. “We started training our leadership in what ISO meant,” says Justin Dawkins, who began at Columbus McKinnon as an engineering student and is now Interim Quality Assurance Manager. “Then we began progressing through the standard, developed a quality manual, and developed training programs and processes within each area. ”

In April 2012, Columbus McKinnon received a banner from IES in recognition of its ISO achievement in a ceremony on the production floor of its 186,000 square foot plant. “It’s really an achievement of people in the plant, so we want to do something for them,” says Ombrello. The plant employs almost 220 employees.

Only three months into the roll-out of ISO 9000, Columbus McKinnon anticipates a 25 percent reduction in the cost of non-conforming material in the long term. The savings could be significant, allowing for reinvestment into the company.

Alongside the ISO 9000 certification process, our plant also engages in continuous improvement. Our JLC electric chain hoist product series just underwent a lean manufacturing improvement process. These units were previously built in batches and painted as complete assemblies prior to shipping. As a result of lean, we have now implemented a true one- piece flow pull system. Our parts get painted prior to assembly so the unit is ready to ship once assembled. What does this mean to our customers? Reduced manufacturing times from 5-10 days down to 2-3 days. Should our customer need a 1 day turnaround, we can meet this request.

As focused as our plant is on quality, our Associates still make time for giving back to the community. Over the past several years our Wadesboro facility has been involved in Relay for Life, at one point leading the county as one of the top 3 fundraisers. Our HR Manager and 18-year Columbus McKinnon veteran, Bob Stowe, speaks regularly at local high schools, addressing work skills and career preparation to current students. He also serves on a regional work force development board involved in aligning training opportunities with career opportunities. We believe in supporting manufacturing technologies and equipping the workforce of our future.

Although I have only been at Columbus McKinnon for 5 years, our company has been designing and manufacturing hoists and rigging products for over 135 years. Brands like CM, Yale, Coffing, Little Mule, Duff-Norton, Budgit, Shaw-Box, Chester, Dixie, Cady, and Camlok (all of which are from Columbus McKinnon) continue to be recognized as providing superior material handling products to companies around the world.

No matter what facility I visit, I can usually find a product from Columbus McKinnon. Sometimes I see our products when I least expect it. While visiting the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine, I noticed the bell on the Sherman Zwicker (a 1942 schooner) was hanging on a CM shackle.

I also saw a CM Lodestar being used on a dock to unload lobster boats.

Although this picture is not a shining example of how to maintain and attach a hoist to a jib (or in this case a pipe), it is just another example of our products being everywhere. (By the way, we do offer training classes on crane and hoist maintenance and proper rigging techniques!)

So we would like to know “WHERE’S YOUR CM”!

You can post your CMCO product pictures on our facebook fan page wall or e-mail them to cmcolive@cmworks.com with a short description of where the picture was taken. Do you use any of our products? Are they in your facility? Maybe you’ve seen our hoists used at concerts to hold up the lighting truss system or our chain and binders used to tie down products on truck trailers. Regardless of the use, we want to see our products in action. WHERE’S YOUR CM?

This post was written by Stacie Wingfield, former Director of Marketing for Columbus McKinnon Corporation.